Offenders could get a prison sentence of up to two years for the crime, which includes posting private images on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as text messages. The law also covers content shared offline without the subject's permission, and with the intent to cause harm.

The move follows numerous high-profile incidents where people have been victimised by sharing private sexual images in public over the internet. Last year "The Snappening" happened, where hackers stole Snapchat photos and leaked them online. Children as young as 11 have also been targeted by revenge porn, Sky News notes.

Although the bill has come into effect in England and Wales, in Scotland and Northern Ireland revenge porn is not illegal yet, the BBC explains. Both countries have more devolved power from Westminster to Wales. They are considering passing the legislation.